Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Rides, Animals, and Family Fun

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not much of a theme park person. But when a sibling came to visit with a 14-year-old in tow, the question quickly became: where could we take them that everyone would enjoy? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay immediately came to mind.

While it may not be as massive or elaborate as the Disney parks in Orlando, Busch Gardens has plenty of its own charm and the bonus of being much closer to home. The park offers a unique mix of thrilling roller coasters and memorable animal encounters, making it a great option for a group with different interests. Since none of us had visited before, it felt like the perfect place to explore together.

Located in Tampa, Florida, Busch Gardens is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, featuring adrenaline-pumping rides like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt. Looking to cool off? Congo Rapids offers a fun, splash-filled adventure—so be sure to bring a towel or a change of clothes! With attractions for all ages, Busch Gardens is the perfect destination for both adventure lovers and families looking for fun.

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to more than 12,000 animals, including kangaroos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, just to name a few.  One of the park’s highlights is the iconic Serengeti Plain, where guests can observe wildlife roaming across expansive, naturalistic habitats. Safari tours, up-close animal encounters, and a relaxing Skyride with bird’s-eye views of grazing animals highlight the park’s strong commitment to conservation and education.

Yep, penguins in sunny Florida!

Families will appreciate kid-friendly attractions like Sesame Street Safari of Fun, along with live shows, seasonal events, and a variety of dining options. Whether you’re planning a Florida vacation or a day trip, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers an ideal mix of excitement, education, and entertainment.

Kids had a blast feeding the colorful Lorikeets

and shows at Sesame Street

We visited twice between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and the holiday season was especially magical. The festive lights were spectacular, with a truly amazing light show at the Serengeti Overlook 😲🦁

We chose the Silver annual pass, and it turned out to be an excellent value. Complimentary parking and four guest tickets (two per quarter) helped the savings add up quickly—especially since holiday parking alone can cost $40. The Skyride is $5 per guest, and even with multiple visits, it took us three trips to experience everything the park has to offer. Overall, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an excellent option for repeat visits or travelers looking to maximize their time and budget.

Have you been to Busch Gardens? We’d love to hear about your favorite rides, animal encounters, or tips for making the most of a visit!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

You might also like:

Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Memories and Milestones	Holiday Decor and Lights in New Orleans	Goodbye Tennessee Aquarium, Hello Florida Botanical Garden!